Mikel Arteta's advice to Jack Wilshere as Arsenal hero takes first managerial job

Jack Wilshere has explained Mikel Arteta encouraged him to "jump in and swim as hard as you can" when taking on his first permanent senior managerial role.

On Monday, the 33-year-old was unveiled as the new manager of League One side Luton Town. Wilshere, who played alongside Arteta in Arsenal's midfield, steps into the shoes of Matt Bloomfield.

Former Wycombe boss Bloomfield was dismissed by Luton earlier this month after less than a year at the helm at Kenilworth Road, with the Hatters sat 11th in the table after consecutive relegations.

Having previously worked within Arsenal's academy and as a first-team coach at Norwich City, this appointment marks Wilshere's first full-time managerial position. During his introductory press conference, the 34-cap England international disclosed the advice given to him by Arsenal boss Arteta.

"About a year ago, I asked Mikel when he knew he was ready," Wilshere said. "He laughed and said you just have to jump in and swim as hard as you can.

"He's done that really well and this feels a little similar. It's a different level but Arsenal wasn't a nice place when Mikel went in. The fans weren't sure what was happening and he built complete unity and trust in what he was doing."

Earlier this year, Wilshere revealed a touching gesture made by Arteta which encapsulates their relationship. "I've got a really big soft spot for Mikel," the former Gunners midfielder confessed on TNT Sports. "Because I played with him, number one, and a lot of the players who played with him said they saw he was going to be a coach, and I was exactly the same.

"Then he invited me back when I was really struggling to find a club, and as he said, I was part of it, and he made me feel part of it. So, honestly, what he's done for this club, I'm so happy for him, so happy for the staff."

Wilshere is also impressed by Arteta's approach to player motivation. "When I was coming through there wasn't really that side of coaching," he told Goal.

"Arsene [Wenger] never brought a lightbulb through or played music before a game - but part of me feels it's genius. With this generation, with Instagram, they're looking at motivational videos and things to get them motivated all the time. I think it works and Mikel has done a great job at dipping into different things and building around that."

Wilshere's debut as Luton boss will come at home against Mansfield Town on Saturday before travelling to Northampton. The Hatters are enduring a difficult spell with just one victory in six matches and possess an underwhelming goal difference after losing five times already this term.

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